Chris Rigg has adjusted to life in Premier League, but Regis Le Bris still cause of main Sunderland issue
Chris Rigg remains shoehorned out of position at Sunderland.
Sunderland’s defeat to Nottingham Forest was a wake-up call, though it certainly hasn’t ended their chances of making Europe.
The Black Cats remain just one win away from a potential qualification spot, with an away trip to bottom-placed and already relegated Wolves up next.
It certainly is still all to play for, but if it is to be achieved, Regis Le Bris has to ensure he doesn’t make the same mistakes that have been made regularly over the last few weeks
And while Rigg has fared well in his last few appearances for the Wearsiders, he remains one of the biggest mistakes being made by the manager.
Chris Rigg’s development is being stunted
Last season made it clear that Rigg is a talent that Sunderland need to keep hold of, with the tee having impressed in the Championship.
And recently, Rigg has again taken it into his own hands to impress in the Premier League, with a series of solid displays, even in the 5-0 defeat to Forest before he was hooked at half-time.
| Premier League | Rigg |
| Games | 16 |
| Minutes | 752 |
| Dribble success rate | 58.3% |
| Duel win rate | 50.8% |
| Fouls won | 8 |
Against Villa, he scored with a shot that had 0.05 xG, while also having completed two of his three attempted dribbles in the game.
Against Forest, he had Sunderland’s only shot on target in the first half and completed all but one of his attempted passes before being withdrawn at half-time.
His quality is clear, but it remains just as clear that by playing him on the wing, Le Bris is doing his development no favours.
If anything, it is preventing him from making the level of progress expected of him, and there are two ways that the Wearsiders can change that.
Sunderland’s solution for Rigg
Rigg is a central midfielder, and the Black Cats need to utilise him there if he is to reach his full potential.
However, if Le Bris can’t find space in the team to play him there, then a loan in the summer may be the best option.
He still has a big future at the Stadium of Light, and that wouldn’t take away from that, but it would at least allow him to flourish in his natural position.
Rigg would not be short of suitors if that were to be the case, and if guaranteed playing time, it may be the best solution.
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